Good beginer stick electrode

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I'm looking for a good easy starting stick electrode to practice with. Idealy it should perform well of slightly dirty metal so I cand practice on some of the scrap plate I have on the sideyard without too much prep beyond a whire wheel. I have done plenty of stick welding before and was halfway decent so I have the procedure down, it's been a few years since I burned any rod so I think 5lbs of basic started rod would get me back "in shape" so to speak. Any recomendations, low cost is also a plus.Thanks, Max
Reply:I would recommend you use the rod you ran before. The arc and puddles of 6011 and 7018 run different than one another so it would be senseless to begin with one and move to the next as a begining thing. Pick a rod and just run it....... start flat and practice. When you feel comfortable running flat slighty increase the angle of the coupon a little at a time to 90 degrees and then to 180 degrees from the flat position. If you ran stick before it won't take long to get a handle on it again.Last edited by lorenzo; 03-23-2007 at 11:34 PM._________________Chris
Reply:That's the thing, I can't remember what rod I used before, the number 7024 seems to stick in my head for some reason. I guess if all the rods perform differently, I should be looking for a good multi position rod. When I stick weld it will mainly be for support buckets structural wood beams and the winch basket for 4x4 bumpers, untill I have the cash for a better mig. Any recomendations based on that information?
Reply:Originally Posted by maxyedorThat's the thing, I can't remember what rod I used before, the number 7024 seems to stick in my head for some reason. I guess if all the rods perform differently, I should be looking for a good multi position rod. When I stick weld it will mainly be for support buckets structural wood beams and the winch basket for 4x4 bumpers, untill I have the cash for a better mig. Any recomendations based on that information?
Reply:I'll pick up 5 lbs of 7018 on Monday and see how it does, thanks Chris.
Reply:i'd use a 6011 if you're gonna be using dirty steel. then pass over it with a 7018, but if you're going to be wire wheeling it it'll probably be clean enough for a 7018.
Reply:Just clean the steel especially if you are just learning again.  How will you know if your welds are faulty from operator error or rust and crap?  You will notice more problems welding out of position with dirty or oxadized steel.DavidCan't speel
Reply:Yep, the rods of choice for most jobs (inside and out) are 6011 and 7018.  6013 for sheet metal (welds alot like 7018).Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.